Guerrilla Job Hunting

What is the better “value,” the book Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0, the Guerrilla Job Search Home Study Course or the Guerrilla Job Seekers Boot Camp ?

This is Part 1 of a 4 Part Discussion.

I have been asked this question many times over by job seekers via email, a blog posting or in an informational phone call. Not to be presumptuous but what most people are really asking when I drill down is; what is the most economical way to become a Guerrilla at little or no cost. As a side note, Outplacement counseling is roughly a 3 Billion dollar business in North America.  

But back to the question: 

Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0 - is your best value “if” what one is really wants to know, “what is the cheapest” way Guerrilla tactics can be learned. For about the cost of taking three people to McDonalds for an Extra Value Meal, you can purchase the book and within days start putting to use the tactics that thousands of other people already have done to land their next job.

Imitation may be deemed the best form of flattery, but we’re finding and pursuing outplacement people /companies who are using our material and putting it out as their own. This practice IS NOT authorized for any reason, and a subject for later, but my point is that others are repurposing our information and are presenting it. That in and of itself should tell you something if one has to mull over the small cost of the book !

Quite frankly though, if you could invest in only one of our products, one "might" say there is a shortcoming to purchasing the book say as opposed to the Home Study Course or the 10 Week Guerrilla Job Seeker Boot Camp. (David is going to kill me for this :) 

The first down side is that the publisher of the book (Wiley Brothers) would permit only so many words that could be printed in order for Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0 to be retailed at a certain selling point. That is simply how things are done in the world of big time publishing. As a result, it was not possible to make the book as all-inclusive as we would have preferred.

In fact, there was enough material left over that we could easily put to market “Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.1, the unpublished chapters” if we chose to do so. (More about this exciting and unknown bit of news later in this 4 part article--- and how You can gain access to this information)

Also on the down side in regards “Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0” is the fact that the book was intended for people who will “on their own accord,” get off thier duffs, step away from their computer, stop reading endless job board listings and be daring enough to step out on a ledge and do things that others simply would not to attempt to do. I’m not talking about purchasing costly bill board space or walking around with a sandwich board strapped to your chest and back. Thankfully, we’re a little more sophisticated than that.

In the book we don’t ask job seekers to take any risks what-so-ever, but rather the reader is taught how to keep their opportunity funnel filled and genuinely stand apart from the crowd. The reader is also shown how to and deliver their value proposition in a clear and concise fashion that will garner the attention of the right people within an organization. So this book like any other informational publication where one has to literally “put words to action” is not for those who at least without being literally pushed, are reluctant to follow instructions to the letter.

Lastly, the single biggest down side of purchasing the book versus our other products, is that the reader is not entitled to have the advantage of receiving “free” phone access to author David Perry, or contributing co-authors, Kevin Donlin or myself (Mark J. Haluska) or all three of us together for that matter; to acquire additional one-on-one advice or coaching when it might be needed at a most critical moment in your job search.

Due to space limitations I have to run for now. Tomorrow I'll talk about the upside of investing in the book, Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters, 2.0  and why contrary to the belief of some, why the book is also very suitable for most blue collar workers !  

In closing, if someone you know is out of work and would benefit from our FREE audio on How to Land a Job Even in the Recession of 2009 (a $ 50 value) simply send them to my link at: http://tinyurl.com/cpkwha         Supplies are limited !

For information on corporate sponsored outplacement services, career coaching, resume assistance, the Guerilla Job Seekers 10 week boot camp, or if you would prefer personal one-on-one Guerrilla job search assistance, contact me at: theguerillajobcoach@comcast.net or 724-495-2733 for information.

Mark J. Haluska

• A Contributing Co-Author of "Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters" and "Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0," 1,001 Unconventional Tips, Tricks and Tactics for Landing your Dream Job.

* Certified Guerrilla Job Seeker Instructor

 

I'm not getting any response from recruiters after I contact them with my resume ! (Part 2)

 

* It could be the case that your resume and cover letter looks like everyone else’s. In a word boring. My time is limited and the only non-renewable resource I have. Therefore, like all the other executive search professionals I know in North America your resume has 30 seconds or less to impress me. If your resume and cover letter grab my attention, it would be because you’ve gone above and beyond what most job seekers do to clearly show me your value proposition. Doing so would prompt me to call you as soon as possible !

You asked about follow up and how. I would suggest you do so, and the phone should to the trick; but be mindful of the fact that the recruiter does not work for you as s/he is not on your payroll. Even if you feel justified in giving him/her a piece of your mind because of the time it has taken to reach that recruiter, be on your best behavior otherwise your resume will end up in the shredder before the phone conversation is over. Putting your best foot forward and making a call every couple of weeks, if just to leave a voice mail should eventually result in contact with the recruiter.

Your question does not hint at what your profession is, but I would suggest that you seek out a few recruiters who specialize in your field as they are most likely to be the people who may have something for you and if not, they may know another recruiter who does. If the recruiter belongs to a split network such as Top Echelon (www.topechelon.com) he/she will be highly motivated to share you with another recruiter because the fee would be split between them should you be hired.

One final suggestion is to use Google. Suppose you were in Human Resources. Simply go to the Google search bar and type in “recruiters who specialize in human resources.” That will result in 10,100,000 results. The above search string works for any profession.

Once you have checked out some of the firms who specialize in your area expertise reach out to some of them. Try one or two local ones first but don’t feel hesitant to talk with other firms hundreds or thousands of miles away. As long as they specialize in your field is all that matters.

Hopefully I have answered your questions. By following the advice I’ve “hinted” at herein, recruiters will get back with you.

Best of luck with your job search !

For information on corporate sponsored outplacement services, career coaching, resume assistance, the Guerrilla Job Seeker10 week boot camp, or if you would prefer personal one-on-one Guerilla job search assistance, contact me at: theguerillajobcoach@comcast.net or contact my office at 724-495-2733.

Mark J. Haluska
Founder and Executive Director of
Real Time NetWork
www.rtnetwork.net

• I’m a Contributing Co-Author of the best selling book, “Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters,” 400 Unconventional Tips, Tricks and Tactics for Landing your Dream Job. Released in 2005

• I’m also a Contributing Co-Author of "Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0," 1,001 Unconventional Tips, Tricks and Tactics for Landing your Dream Job. Released in June 2009

• I'm one of only 4 certified "Guerrilla Job Search Boot Camp" Instructors in North America

• Recommended reading for Corporate Hiring Authorities: “Executive Recruiting for Leaders,” Insider Secrets for Locating, Evaluating and Retaining Top Talent by David Perry and Mark J. Haluska 

 

 

 

Uncut - a live interview with David Perry

Podcast interview on Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters with Landedfm.com
http://www.landed.fm/shows/david-perry-5.html

Job search propaganda

"Dperry"- Thanks for a stimulating and frank discussion of guerilla job tactics and for not recycling the same old tired mantras on the Execunet webcast.  I would like to see what your lost chapter is all about.

Also, although you demonstrated that direct contact was the way to go, the reason a lot of people aren't doing it more is that there is so little agreement about the best way to accomplish it.  Your story about tracking the exec down in his bathroom was cute and made for a good journalistic newsbite,  but I don't know how practical and systematic that is for most of the non-sales executives on the broadcast, especially when there is some uncertainty about how how good a match or how great a need there may actually be at one particular employer.  (I'm also the one who asked about "research" and the lack of specifics it yields.)

As a "for instance" of the propaganda we get, see the quote below for a hardened opinion by one of the opinion makers in the executive job search business, John Lucht (Rites of Passage at $100,000...).  I'm sure you and Jay would not be anywhere in the ball park on this line of thought.  Does the book lay out some sound approaches?

UNLESS YOUR NAME AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS WILL ALREADY BE KNOWN TO THE DECISION MAKER, THEN YOUR MOST COURTEOUS AND EFFECTIVE APPROACH WILL BE AN IMPRESSIVE ON-PAPER SUBMISSION.

If you're unknown to both the gatekeeper and the decision maker when you phone, you'd have to be the world's glibbest con artist to imagine that you can talk your way through to an exceedingly busy and prominent person. So don't even try. You'll only make yourself look ridiculous and spoil the majestic entrance you could otherwise make on the wings of a powerful referral. If, in the long run, you have no better introduction than a superb on-paper mailing, don't doom it to failure by being remembered as the dope on the phone who tried to barge in with no credentials earlier. THE BOTTOM LINE Gatekeepers will do their job, whether you like it or not. So, cooperate ... or move along to another gate. THE TAKE AWAY Sometimes, you can't bypass a good person doing a good job.

###

Dear Job Hunter

Yes GM4JH lays out many tactics and strategies to lead you to your ultimate goal – an interview and an offer. The book is heavy on the do-this and not-that advice. The tactical “dirt under your fingernails” stuff.

I am quite sensitive to the needs of the non-sales executives. Of the 47 ways to find a job perhaps 3 require the type of outgoing personality normally found in a sales or marketing type. We knew full well that the readers of GM4JH would be 95% comprised of people who are NOT S&M people.

The book is slanted toward creating interest in yourself as a candidate by showcasing what you have already done for others – thereby implying “I can so the same for you” – through creative packaging of your experience.

As to John’s assertion: UNLESS YOUR NAME AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS WILL ALREADY BE KNOWN TO THE DECISION MAKER, THEN YOUR MOST COURTEOUS AND EFFECTIVE APPROACH WILL BE AN IMPRESSIVE ON-PAPER SUBMISSION.

I can’t agree and here’s why. The purpose of Guerrilla Marketing is so your name “will” be known –even if you can’t ride on “the wings of a powerful referral” – and your experience desired by employers for the rest of your life.

A career is a process with many transactions [jobs] with you as the CEO of Me Inc. Deciding who you work with is your business – literally. You’re not “powerless” which is the impression this quote leaves me with. As the holder of the asset [knowledge+ skills+ aptitude], you have ALL the power. Your job is to articulate your value in a manner they understand – that’s the challenge. If the Gatekeeper – gets it – and most do, s/he will let you through whether your approaching them by phone, fax, email or paper. It a gate keeper’s job to pan for gold for their boss and to keep the “claim jumpers” at bay. What impression does your approach leave?

In this instance the author is talking about networking which is the major underpinning of the book – in the context of 1988 when it was first published - and it’s a good book on networking, but networks are passive not active. The challenge becomes what do you do when you don’t have a powerful referral? When you’re not known outside your circle of acquaintances? When your circle drive Chevy’s and not Jags?

The challenge with networking in general is that traditional networking ultimately relies on having a fundamental belief in the kindness of strangers. At its core, it preaches that job-hunters must have faith that they’ll find a job through a friend of a friend of a friend. This is largely a myth.

Although I’ve heard that this strategy yielded great results in the past, it’s not enough today. With the constantly changing marketplace, there is more competition for fewer leads. Traditional networking is much like casting your fate to the wind. It is too passive to rely on. Moreover, there are three flaws in traditional networking in my opinion:

1. You need to have a network at hand when you find yourself out of work (by the way—being out of work is not the best time to start building one).

2. It requires you to be at least a little outgoing because you need to talk to strangers.

3. There’s no way to guarantee the jobs people refer will be ones you’ll excel at, much less be interested in.

On the networking front, Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters shows you – in great detail – how headhunters and executive search professionals use networking to discover opportunities where it would appear that none currently exist.

Beyond networking, GM4JH shows you how to command attention. How to leverage the halo effect of your previous employer[s] brand; how to build buzz; how to become the designated expert - even how to work with the gate keeper to make them beg to hire you!

David Perry
Coauthor
Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters